CANCELLED: Worthing Regatta — Town Rowing Club's Main Event

Friday, 4 August 2023 11:30

By John Warburton @Warblefly

Worthing Rowing Club members outside the clubhouse near Splashpoint

Early this morning, official announcements from Worthing Rowing Club confirmed rumours among visiting clubs that today's regatta has been cancelled.

The town's rowing club simply blamed today's predicted poor weather, which would lead to conditions in the water being far more dangerous than usual.

Storm Antoni is due to bring what forecasters have called "unseasonably strong winds" to the Sussex Coast between 8am and 8pm.

Worthing Regatta would have taken place near to the club's premises, close by Splashpoint, east of the pier.

According to the town's rowing club, founded in 1880, many clubs from all along the south coast were expected to bring over 50 boats to Worthing.

Their crews originally anticipated taking part in over twenty competitive races in the course of the day.

The club also continues to seek new recruits, saying:

"We are always looking for new members for both our women's and men's squads.

"You don't need to be six feet tall to row with us.

"All you need is love of water, team work and ability to help carry boat to the sea."

In particular, the club is inviting people new to the sport to learn to row.

Officials said:

"The aim of the Learn To Row course is to introduce you to correct rowing technique and use of the rowing machines, an introduction to the boats and their maintenance, some core and flexibility workouts and rowing together in a 4-person boat on the sea or river.

"We aim to prioritise water sessions as getting out in a boat is a great way to learn and is a lot of fun!

"If you would like to register your interest for the next course (possibly October 2023), please contact the Learn To Row Coordinator on l2r.worthingrc@gmail.com."